Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamara Gilchrist.
SHE has always been an artistic being…one who felt deeply and expressed herself through singing, acting, dancing, and writing. As time went on, with life only consisting of school and working, SHE felt as though SHE had lost touch with the things that set her soul on fire. As the years passed by, SHE found herself in a place where SHE didn’t recognize herself anymore. Depression consumed her as SHE wondered when her life would truly start beginning. Thoughts of if SHE’d ever be understood and loved made her feel like SHE had to constantly prove why SHE was worth it to others, but what SHE didn’t realize was that SHE started conforming into what they wanted her to be for themselves. This took her further away from who SHE really was, but it wasn’t until SHE lost her way that SHE decided to turn back to God. SHE started finding peace again which lead to her having more of a positive outlook on life, so much so, that SHE tapped back into her creative and founded her organization Sticking2Positivity. SHE realized that in order for her to better herself, SHE had to make a conscious effort in bettering others, and that started her journey of becoming an inspirer. Not too long after that SHE fell in love with this camera – SHE started taking pictures of her positive affirmation sticky notes and flowers. This was around the time that SHE started writing poetry again too – writing poems about love and her struggles of still finding herself and purpose. More time went by as SHE evolved into taking pictures of humans. SHE was in a space of entrepreneurship around that time and decided to create her photography business, SHERADIATES Photography. As SHE continued to find and love herself, SHE realized that it was okay to re-evaluate what SHE had started, and that it was okay to embrace the simplicity of being creative instead of only shooting for money, so SHE simply challenged herself to start doing what SHE loved. That mindset along with finally developing self-love allowed her to explore the deepest depths of her mind in becoming a microblogger “itstamarag,” and so now SHE Inspires. SHE Creates. SHE RADIATES!
SHE is an inspirer, microblogger, writer of poetry, photographer, and Physician Assistant (PA) student all wrapped into one. It’s very interesting how her brain works – SHE gets inspired by the most random and unique things; whether it be from one of her photographs of a street sign, a flower, someone’s smile, or simply even a word that SHE heard in passing – her mind takes off in a way that allows her to write metaphorical and free verse poems. Her focus in what SHE relates it to is that of overall self-growth – stemming from ones mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being. SHE refuses to allow the fact that SHE is still continuously developing, to hinder her the opportunity of letting God use her, and so she uses her Instagram platforms, as well as, face to face conversations and actions, to express the importance of being who God wants them to be. SHE lives in a world now, where it is easier to wear a mask rather than be their true selves, and through her journey, SHE understood that until you truly embrace who you’re trying to hide – you will forever be unhappy and unfulfilled. Through her art, when someone sees her photographs, reads her words, or simply just sees her being her true self and knowing her purpose – SHE hopes it sparks a fire within them to start tearing down all the things that prevent them from truly being. SHE tries to express the importance of loving themselves, being authentic, and being transparent to the point where who they say they are matches with how they act. In doing so, it will allow them to attract individuals who are also tired of pretending too.
Inspirer:
SHE created Sticking2Positivity, where SHE writes inspirational sticky notes and post them everywhere SHE goes, no matter if SHE is in Atlanta, Georgia or Venice, Italy. SHE wants people to understand that Sticking2Positivity IS NOT about you being positive all the time, to the point where you put on this façade in the hopes of masking your true despair; that’ll be unrealistic. IT IS about how you remain positive after feeling through and embracing your true emotions. IT IS about spreading positivity that you’ve gained and giving it back to others from a place of understanding – because you too were once in a situation that hindered your ability to be happy. So, SHE encourages others to “Better Themselves By Bettering Others.”
Microblogger (itstamarag) + Writer of Poetry + Photography + PA Student:
See below for what all you can find in her personal blog
– Inspire: Women’s Health Advocate – mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being;
– Learn: Her PA school journey, educating others;
– Read: Some of her good reads – the Bible, inspirational/self-help books, poetry books, healthcare memoirs/ biography’s, women empowerment/health books, requests good reads;
– Write: Be intrigued by her poetry, thoughts, and spreading of the good news of God;
– Bloom: Her love of the four elements of nature – earth, water, air, and fire – especially flowers;
– Travel: Her trips to places around the world;
– Bond: SHE is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. – events, community service, sisterly love;
– Live: SHE explores new places – see her check places and things off her list;
– Portraits | Lifestyle | & Event Photography: Lifestyle has become one of her favorite things to shoot when SHE has full creative control OR if SHE is shooting with a like-minded individual, but SHE always welcomes those who may be shy in front of the camera. SHE is open to doing collaborations being that SHE loves taking pictures – especially for her own blog;
– Create: DIY Projects and interior designing have recently been some of her therapeutic hobbies while in school
– Consume: GOOD Eats! SHE cooks.
Any advice for aspiring or new artists?
Don’t shrink yourself by not hydrating your own creative abilities…everyone has a dry season…but in order to fully bloom…you must be willing to endure the time it takes to be watered and grow…there is nothing wrong with re-evaluating what it is that you truly want out of your work or talent…you’re constantly evolving with the times of the world…its human for things to change. -itstamarag
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see how SHE inspires, creates, and radiates by going to any of her three Instagram Platforms:
https://www.instagram.com/itstamarag/
https://www.instagram.com/sticking2positivity/
https://www.instagram.com/sheradiatesphotography/
SHE hopes that you’ll find the inspiration you’ve been needing and that you find it helpful to have it in your daily life! If so, feel free to follow her, and repost some of her work (with credit of course), encourage a friend to view her work, and lastly, SHE encourages that you reach out to her – SHE is very down to earth!
SHE can also be contacted for collaborations, speaking engagements, or events at itstamarag@gmail.com.
For all of her photography services and rates, please email her at info.srphotography@gmail.com.
If you’re interested in seeing her PA school journey or wanting to give a love offering visit her gofundme page: https://www.gofundme.com/futurepatam.
Contact Info:
- Address: Atlanta, Georgia
- Email: itstamarag@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itstamarag/
Image Credit:
Sticking2Positivity
SHERADIATES Photography
L. Bishop
Bri Marlie
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
